Truck Appeal In Manhunt For Cop Killer

Police have released a photograph of the stolen pick-up truck which was used to mow down an officer in Merseyside as a manhunt continues for the driver .

Merseyside Police say the red Mitsubishi was stolen during a burglary in Birkenhead around 1am on Monday before being abandoned following the deadly hit-and-run.

PC David Phillips, 34, was struck by the vehicle during a police pursuit and died from internal injuries.

Police say the driver drove directly at the officer and a young colleague as they tried to stop the car with a "stinger" device.

PC Phillips, a father of two young girls, was given emergency first aid by colleagues and rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

The death is being treated as a murder and an investigation is under way, led by detectives from the Merseyside force's Matrix Serious Organised Crime (MSOC) unit.

Chief Constable Sir Jon Murphy said the officer "did not stand a chance" after being hit.

"David's death serves as a reminder of the risks that the men and women of this force and the other forces in the UK face in serving the public," he said.

"They come to work, day in day out, knowing the risks they all face.

"But their wives, their husbands, their loved ones and their families expect them to come home at the end of their watch.

"Sadly, David did not and his daughters will have to grow up without their father."

Stunned colleagues have paid tribute to PC Phillips on Facebook.

One wrote: "R.I.P Dave. It was always a pleasure to see your smile & dry sense of humour. The night sky has gained a very bright star."

Another lamented: "Absolutely heartbroken at the loss of a lovely, brave colleague."